'Dispute Should Flare in Del Mar BC Handicap

Domestic Dispute, who returned from a four-month layoff with a solid second-place finish in the Pat O'Brien Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II) last month, heads a field of seven milers in Sunday's $250,000 Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II).

Trained by Patrick Gallagher, the 4-year-old son of Unbridled's Song finished 4 1/2 lengths behind Kela in the seven-furlong O'Brien Aug. 15 while rallying to edge multiple grade I winner Pico Central for the runner-up spot. It was Domestic Dispute's first start since a sixth-place showing in the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) March 27 and should have him set up at his preferred distance Sunday.

Domestic Dispute's last victory came in the 1 1/8-mile Strub (gr. II) at Santa Anita Feb. 7.

The Bob Baffert-trained During is also back at a better distance as he seeks to rebound from a fifth-place finish in the 10-furlong Pacific Classic (gr. I), which was won handily by Pleasantly Perfect Aug. 16. During is winless since taking the San Fernando (gr. II) for 4-year-olds at Santa Anita in January by a length. Domestic Dispute was fourth that day.

Also coming out of the Pacific Classic is Night Patrol, who tired to finish last of eight after setting the pace.

Domestic Dispute and During each carry top weight of 117 pounds.

Touch the Wire is the only horse coming into the Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap off a victory. The 4-year-old gelding captured an allowance optional claiming event Aug. 5 at Del Mar.

$250,000 Del Mar Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. II), 3 & up, 1 mile
PP. Horse, Weight, Jockey
1. Night Patrol (KY), 112, Kerwin John
2. Rushin' to Altar (KY), 115, Gary L. Stevens
3. Supah Blitz (FL), 116, Victor Espinoza
4. Touch the Wire (FL), 115, Jon K. Court
5. Snorter (KY), 116, Tyler Baze
6. During (KY), 117, Corey S. Nakatani
7. Domestic Dispute (KY), 117, Kent J. Desormeaux